I'm more familiar with results from specific Nature Conservancy projects than their upper-level management folks. But TNC did come onto the resource management scene with a market-driven perspective - and they have made a big impact. They manage a lot of land and conservation easements, that's for sure. And they have contributed a lot to the science of resource management, especially for controlled burns and riparian systems, as they have experimented on their holdings. I've seen many projects turned over to public agencies, including selling them. And I've seen plenty of their lands sold to private interests, with those conservation easements attached. I would enjoy reading a good history and review of the TNC.
I hope you enjoy Ostrom's writings. There's a lot of food for thought there!